Île de Ré, Oléron… Water will soon be 50% more expensive in summer on the Charente-Maritime coast

“A gentle, but necessary measure,” argues Christophe Sueur, the president of Eau 17. The main water union in Charente-Maritime has just adopted a new “progressive pricing policy” for 156 coastal municipalities “under tension”.

From 2031, drinking water will be billed with an increase of 50%, between June and September. When “smart meters” and communicating have been installed at each address, all individuals and professionals will check out, whether they are installed on the island of Oléron, the island of Ré, in the agglomeration of Royan or the Rochefort region. Only the agglomeration of La Rochelle, which has its own authority, is not concerned.

In return, prices will drop for everyone by 30% between October and May. According to Eau 17, the bill smoothed over the year will remain unchanged for the vast majority of consumers. Only secondary residents, present mainly in the summer, will pay more.